“We are devastated that a young asylum seeker has been so brutally attacked in Croydon. He is still in a serious condition and all our thoughts and love are with him for a full recovery.” says Jo Cobley, Director of Young Roots.

“The many young asylum seekers we work with in Croydon are a delight. They are bright, warm, friendly and so keen to learn. They are endlessly supportive and kind to one another.”

Many young asylum seekers have fled war, torture and other atrocities. They have survived dangerous journeys here and face loneliness, worries about the rest of their family, and the challenge of navigating the complex immigration system. Many have post-traumatic stress disorder.

In the face of this tragedy, Young Roots will be working with the young refugee and asylum seeking community at our regular youth groups, education support activities, trips and through our Casework service to support them through this. We will stand with the wider Croydon community against this hate crime and show our support and solidarity.’